SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is urging eligible residents throughout the 48th District to apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to receive energy assistance during the cooler months.
“LIHEAP provides area residents with essential assistance to keep their homes warm through the fall and winter months,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “As many of our seniors struggle to pay rising utility bills – it is vital that they know this assistance is available.”
LIHEAP provides one-time payments directly to energy service providers on behalf of recipients. While the amount of support varies based on the needs of individual families, last year's LIHEAP recipients received an average of $1,330 per household.
All families who meet the qualifications and provide proper documentation will receive support until funding runs out. Families who earn up to two times the federal poverty level are eligible to receive support through LIHEAP.
Beginning Sept. 1, families can apply by visiting helpillinoisfamilies.com or by visiting their local agency (a list of partners throughout the state can be found here). Families can also call 1-833-711-0374 for assistance.
“People shouldn’t be forced to choose between paying their utility bills and paying for groceries,” Turner said. “By providing more people access to financial assistance programs such as LIHEAP, Illinoisans won’t be forced to make that choice.”
Last year’s LIHEAP funding - which was available from September 2021 through May 2022 – provided a record level of assistance to 302,000 households. Turner hopes residents will take advantage of this assistance.
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